The UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG) has called for a UK integrated freight strategy to boost trade and efficiency.

Responding to the UK Government's consultation on the next phase of England's road strategy UKMPG highlighted that good road, rail and digital connectivity is important for ports to flourish and the UK must develop a cohesive strategy across transport modes for the key freight transport corridors to maximise the potential to increase industry and supply chain productivity.

Tim Morris, chief executive of UKMPG said that a “more coordinated approach” could enable “more reliable and efficient” freight transport to bolster the UK’s goal to “re-establish itself as a confident independent player on the global trade stage” and offer “greater environmental sustainability”, a priority as the UK is looking to improve air quality.

Faster transportation

He stated: “There are still too many instances where, for example, it can take 9 hours to move cargoes 90 miles. What is required is to take an overview of each of the key freight corridors that enable the UK to trade with the world, rather than take a largely siloed approach through planning by mode of transport.”

UKMPG said it is looking forward to the Department for Transport’s upcoming Port Connectivity Study and the National Infrastructure Commission’s freight study as opportunities to grasp this coordinated approach.

It added that significant freight supply chains for international trade need to be considered on a national basis.